New Delhi/Washington, May 15: Amid former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent criticism over Apple’s increasing production presence in India, the tech giant has officially reiterated its unwavering commitment to India as a strategic manufacturing hub. Top Apple executives have reportedly assured Indian government officials that their investment plans remain firmly on track, despite Trump’s push for the company to bring more production back to the United States.
According to senior Indian government sources, Apple wasted no time in clarifying its stance after Trump publicly advised Apple CEO Tim Cook to reduce operations in India. In a pointed statement, Trump had slammed Apple for “expanding too much in India” and suggested the company should be “building in America, not overseas.”
Apple to India: We’re Here to Stay
Following the remarks, Apple reaffirmed to Indian authorities that its manufacturing expansion in India is not only continuing but accelerating. The company highlighted that India has become a crucial global production hub, especially for its flagship product—the iPhone.
Currently, around 15% of Apple’s total global iPhone production is taking place in India. Major suppliers including Foxconn, Pegatron India, and Tata Electronics are driving this growth, actively assembling iPhones at facilities across the country. In a major boost, Foxconn has also begun manufacturing AirPods in Telangana, exclusively for international export.
iPhone Exports Surge, Majority Headed to the U.S.
Apple’s production boom in India is already having a visible impact on global supply chains. In March 2025 alone, Apple shipped 3.1 million iPhones from India, with a staggering 97.6% of these heading to the United States. This is seen as a strategic move to minimize the risk of potential U.S. tariff hikes, especially with the possibility of Trump’s return to office.
The significance of these exports was underscored by India’s Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who revealed that iPhones worth ₹1.5 lakh crore were exported from India during the fiscal year 2025. The growing Apple ecosystem in India has also generated over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, benefiting suppliers, logistics firms, and skilled labor sectors.
Trump’s Mixed Message: Slams Apple, Praises India
Despite Trump’s disapproval of Apple’s India expansion, he also made an eyebrow-raising claim, saying India imposes “zero tariffs” on U.S. goods. This comment comes amid discussions of a potential India-U.S. trade pact by Fall 2025, which could reshape commercial relations between the two nations.
Trump’s focus on reshoring American manufacturing remains central to his political platform. However, his criticism of Apple’s India strategy appears to conflict with his acknowledgment of India’s favorable trade policies.
Tim Cook’s Strategic Balance Between U.S. and India
Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed production logistics during an earnings call, noting that most iPhones sold in the U.S. this quarter would be produced in India, while units sold in other global markets would continue to be manufactured in China.
This balanced production strategy reflects Apple’s efforts to diversify its supply chain amidst rising geopolitical tensions and to hedge against policy shifts, such as potential tariffs or new labor regulations.
India’s Rise as a Global Tech Manufacturing Giant
With Apple’s long-term vision now clearly tied to India, the country is rapidly emerging as a global electronics manufacturing destination. Apple’s continued investments, combined with initiatives like India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, are helping transform the country into a high-tech industrial base.
Industry analysts believe this move is part of Apple’s broader effort to reduce dependency on China, improve supply chain resilience, and align with geopolitical and economic realities of the post-pandemic world.
Conclusion: India Remains Key to Apple’s Global Plans
Despite political pressure from the U.S., Apple’s manufacturing focus in India appears unshaken. The company has made it clear: India is not just an alternative manufacturing site—it’s becoming a cornerstone of Apple’s global strategy. With iPhone exports hitting record numbers and job creation on the rise, Apple’s bet on India is paying dividends.
And while political winds may shift, Apple seems prepared to balance both U.S. and Indian priorities—carefully navigating global pressures while building a truly international production ecosystem.
